Dona Irwin to receive Hero Award

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. >> The New Mexico Business Coalition will honor New Mexico Representative Dona Irwin (D-Deming), HD 32, and other public officials, business and community leaders at the annual NMBC Heroes Luncheon on Aug. 27. This celebration of outstanding dedication to New Mexico will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North.

Rep. Dona Irwin has dedicated her life to serving the people of her district and the state of New Mexico. Not one to get caught up in party politics, she is a person of strength who will do what she believes will make New Mexico a better place.

Irwin is open and accessible to those who want to discuss issues or legislation with her and extends them every courtesy. She understands the issues and votes her values.

She has been involved in New Mexico politics since 1999 when she was elected to the New Mexico Legislature as the District 32 representative for the state of New Mexico. Her district includes Hidalgo and Luna Counties, and a portion of Grant County. She has held that position for consecutive terms through current.

Irwin said in a 2013 Headlight interview: "Deming and Luna County has always been good to me and my family," said Irwin. "It's about giving back to the fine people of this community, and I am not done giving back."

Through her legislative tenure, Irwin has served on an interim basis with the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee and the Water and Natural Resources Committee. She is also a member of the Business and Employment Committee and agriculture in Santa Fe during the legislative sessions.

Irwin also has been an integral part of Deming's 1st New Mexico Bank where she has served the financial institution and its customers as an employee for over three decades.

She married Burt Irwin in 1951 and he passed away in 1997. They have two children; Janet, of Chino Valley in Prescott, Ariz.; and Craig, of Deming.

Others to be honored at the Heroes Luncheon are:

• NMBC 2015 Hero of the Year, APD Officer Lou Golson

• Representative Yvette Herrell, District 51,

• Business Leader Mark Powell,

• Recarnation, and Community Leader A. Blair Dunn, Esq.

The keynote speaker for the event is U.S. Marshal Conrad E. Candelaria.

The NMBC Heroes Luncheon honors outstanding New Mexicans for their dedication and service to the state.

"Sometimes our attention is diverted to news stories about crime, corruption and low rankings," Carla Sonntag, NMBC president said. "Our Heroes Luncheon is a time to put political agendas aside, come together and focus on some of New Mexico's best public servants, community and business leaders who go above and beyond to make New Mexico a better place to live."

Bill Armendariz contributed to this article. He can be reached at 575-546-2611 (ext. 2606).